Macau SAR China

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The Macau Special Administrative Region is located in eastern Asia bordering China and the South China Sea. Macau's population is about 550,000 people.

Macau (also Macao) is considered a limited democracy and is one of two Special Administrative Regions (SAR) of the People's Republic of China with its own charter (the Basic Law). Hong Kong is the other SAR. The head of government is the Chief Executive who is appointed by Beijing after election by an Election Committee of 300 who represent Macau's interests. The chief of state is the president of China.

Macau became a Portuguese colony in the 16th century. Portugal administered the region until the handover to China on December 20, 1999. China agreed that for the next 50 years, Macau would operate with a high degree of autonomy. Under the policy of “one country, two systems,” Macau will not operate under China's socialist economic system. China is responsible for the region's foreign affairs and defence, while Macau maintains its own legal system, police force, monetary system, customs policy, immigration policy, and delegates to international organizations and events. The economy of Macau depends largely on tourism, gambling, and textile and garment manufacturing.

Visitors will enjoy the Portuguese influence in the parks and gardens, architecture, streets, and also the cuisine, along with the Las Vegas style hotels and casinos. Macau is the largest gambling destination in Asia.

Currency	MOPS: Macanese pataca
Language	Portuguese and Chinese (Cantonese)
Capital	N/A
Recent Alerts	1
Latest Alert	July 13, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Macau (13 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Macau SAR China. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Macau through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Macau.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Macau, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Dengue Fever Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Macau.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya is a viral disease that occurs in Macau. Outbreaks of this disease usually occur during the tropical rainy season, however, outbreaks can occur during the dry season as well.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Rabies Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Japanese encephalitis Japanese encephalitis occurs in this country, usually during April to October. However, the risk of exposure to this virus is low.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Large outbreaks of this disease have been reported in Macau in recent years.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Macau SAR China.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Travellers who engage in extensive outdoor activities in rural areas during the months of April to October may have increased risk, and vaccination is recommended.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Macau SAR China.

None required.

Safety and Security in Macau SAR China

Emergency Numbers

999 or 110 or 112

Personal Safety

Most travellers rarely experience security problems in Macau since the crime rate is low. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, does occur in tourist areas. Travellers should secure their personal belongings, valuables, and travel documents. Keep a copy of your identification and travel documents in a separate place.

Only use licensed taxis and ensure that the taxi meter is used. Do not use ride share services, such as Uber, as they are deemed illegal by the Macau Police and both passengers and taxi drivers can be punished. Drive on the left-hand side of the road.

It is illegal to take photos of military installations. It is also illegal to possess weapons, or items that may look like weapons (ex. toys, antiques, replicas). Do not try and import these items.

Typhoons occur in Macau between May-October. Flooding, major damage to infrastructure and disruption to travel plans may result. Monitor weather reports closely. If a natural disaster occurs, follow advice of local authorities.

Political tension exists with North Korea. Tension could escalate without warning and the safety and security situation could be impacted. Monitor local news sources closely.

LGBTI travellers should note that although same-sex sexual behaviours are legal in Macau, same-sex marriage is not.

Political Unrest

All public demonstrations that have not received government approval are illegal. Do not participate in demonstrations.

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Updated: July 14, 2021